The Ryanair horror stories fall into several categories:

1) People who arrive at the airport later than they were told, find they can't check in, and then lose out on their paid-for flights.

2) Ryanair cancellations (a rare event). You can get travel insurance that will cover any fallout from such an event.

3) The airport is far out, and the flyer failed to plan for transport contingencies.

The vast majority of the time Ryanair has an excellent on-time record. Figure out the cost/benefit analysis of using their more remote airports and of buying travel insurance, and make sure to get to the airport well in advance.